Heather A. Okvat is a research assistant at the Center for the Future of Arizona and is currently working towards her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Arizona State University. She earned her M.A. in Psychology (clinical health emphasis) at ASU and her B.A. in the Mind-Body Relationship from Duke University. Heather is entering her tenth year of research experience, having previously worked at Columbia University’s New York—Presbyterian Hospital as the Director of the Complementary Medicine Research Group and with the ASU Healthy Aging Group conducting research on effective interventions for chronic pain. While attending ASU, Heather received a University Graduate Scholarship as well as an award to attend the First International Positive Psychology Summit. She is interested in public policy initiatives that simultaneously promote mental health, physical health and sustainability. Heather’s special interests include older adults and permaculture. Her doctoral research focuses on the psychosocial benefits of contact with nature and the role of community gardens in building resilient individuals and neighborhoods. Heather has lived in Tempe, Arizona since 2001, where she enjoys the challenge of organic gardening in the desert, as well as practicing Spanish and French with neighbors.